She Takes My Breath Away (Live in Houston 1992)

The Zoo Crew is spinning "She Takes My Breath Away (Live in Houston 1992)" by Eddie Money, a track that’s got the Zoo Freaks vibing. This song, originally released in September 1991 as the third single from Money’s eighth studio album, Right Here, was a heartfelt ode to his wife, Laurie Harris. In a 1992 interview with The Noblesville Ledger, Money gushed, “She has a great body; she is gorgeous. She has three kids and one on the way for me. She takes my breath away and I think people can relate to [that] song.” The tune hit No. 5 on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks and stayed on the charts for 12 weeks, proving its staying power. Its infectious rhythm-guitar groove, as noted by Hartford Courant’s Dana Tofig, made it a standout, even on an album that didn’t chart highly. Fun fact: the song also popped up in the 1992 action-comedy flick Kuffs, adding some rock flair to the big screen. The live Houston version captures Money’s raw energy, a testament to his knack for connecting with fans, whether in a studio or on stage.

Another tidbit about "She Takes My Breath Away" comes from its acoustic rendition on Money’s 1992 EP, Unplug It In. This stripped-down take highlights his vocal grit and the song’s emotional core, showing off his versatility. Money’s daughter, Jesse Money, has kept her dad’s legacy alive, often performing his hits and even reworking songs like “Everybody Loves Christmas” as a tribute. While there aren’t specific social media posts from Eddie about this track on his official accounts, fans on platforms like The Official Eddie Money Tribute Fan Group frequently share live clips and memories, including buzz about the Houston performance’s electric vibe. The song’s romantic roots and Money’s genuine delivery make it a fan favorite, often sparking nostalgic posts about his ‘90s shows.

Eddie Money, born Edward Joseph Mahoney on March 21, 1949, in Manhattan, New York, kicked off his journey in a way that was anything but typical for a rock star. Growing up in a family of Irish Catholic descent in Levittown, New York, he initially followed his grandfather, father, and brother’s footsteps, joining the New York City Police Department as a trainee at 18. But the uniform and short hair weren’t his scene. “I couldn’t see myself in a police uniform for 20 years of my life, with short hair,” he later said in a 2008 Popdose interview. His bandmates even fired him from an early group for being a cop, and his dad wasn’t thrilled, ripping Jimi Hendrix posters off his wall. In 1968, Money ditched the badge, moved to Berkeley, California, and dove into music, adopting the stage name “Eddie Money” as a sarcastic nod to his broke days. Studying with vocal coach Judy Davis and jamming in Bay Area nightclubs, he caught the eye of rock impresario Bill Graham, who signed him to Columbia Records in 1976.

Money’s debut album, Eddie Money, dropped in 1977, packed with hits like “Two Tickets to Paradise” and “Baby Hold On,” which both cracked the Billboard Hot 100. His gritty voice and everyman charm, paired with a knack for catchy hooks, made him a staple of ‘70s and ‘80s rock. Despite a career dip after the 1983 flop Where’s the Party?, he roared back with 1986’s platinum-selling Can’t Hold Back, featuring the Grammy-nominated “Take Me Home Tonight.” Money’s hustle—doing record store promos and radio interviews before gigs—cemented his rep as a natural performer, as Bill Graham once raved: “Eddie Money has it all… Not only can he sing, write, and play, but he is a natural performer.” His later years saw him mentoring his kids, especially Jesse, and working on a musical about his life, Two Tickets to Paradise, before his passing in 2019.

You can keep up with Eddie Money’s legacy through his official website, where you’ll find discography details and updates on posthumous releases like “Stay with Me,” shared by his wife in 2024. His Facebook page posts throwback photos and tour memories, while Instagram shares clips of classic performances. On X, the account keeps fans in the loop with tributes and news about his music. For fan-driven love, check out The Official Eddie Money Tribute Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories and clips. Another spot, Eddie Money Tribute, celebrates his catalog with fan art and covers. While no standalone fan websites dominate, these groups keep the Money mania alive, perfect for any Freak digging into his rock ‘n’ roll saga.